DO YOU HAVE BACK PAIN?

Living with chronic back pain in Lake Oswego is no walk in the park. Nearly everyone will experience some form of back pain in their lifetime, which can range from slightly irritating to totally debilitating. Regardless of the degree of pain you are experiencing, and whether it is acute or has now become chronic, at the least you would most likely rather live without it, and in the most extreme cases, it may be very difficult to go on living with it. This informative article aims to help enable you to understand the causes of low back pain and how chiropractic treatment can assist you in achieving lasting back health, so you continue enjoying those walks in the park.

Living With Back Pain in Lake Oswego

The back is a broad term that covers a large area of the body, comprised of many tendons, ligaments, discs, muscles, and bones. Without a solid knowledge of these different parts, it can be difficult to locate and address the cause of the pain. The following section breaks down some of the more common issues treated by chiropractors and their identifying features. It also explains how chiropractic care can help to relieve them, or in many cases alleviate them all together. This article is meant to be a general guideline to assist you in your search for effective treatment; we always recommend that you get a professional diagnosis before starting any treatment plan.

Disc Bulges and Herniation

When the outer edges of the discs located between the vertebrae are damaged, disc bulges and herniations can occur. These conditions happen when the jelly-like center of the disc begins to bulge or be pushed out. This issue is surprisingly common, and though not always, it can often be extremely painful. Some people who have this condition feel nothing at all; but, for those who suffer from pain associated with a disc injury, the intensity of the pain is affected by both the type and position of the herniation. When the damaged disc is irritating a nearby nerve, severe shooting or stabbing pain and weakness in the legs can often occur.

It is extremely vital that this matter is promptly identified and treated so that further damage is avoided. In Lake Oswego, a chiropractor will thoroughly assess your back to provide a diagnosis, determine the appropriate treatment needed to prevent the advancement of the herniation, and provide relief from the pain and suffering often associated with the condition.

Subluxations

Subluxation is a medical term that describes a misalignment of the vertebrae in the spinal column. There is a broad range of causes for subluxations which include physical stress, trauma to the body, and exposure to toxins. Subluxations can be very painful and can often disrupt normal movement and function. Though subluxations are one of the most overlooked contributors to back pain, chiropractors are specially trained to identify and correct this condition without the use of invasive treatments by performing adjustments of the vertebrae.

Muscular Sprains and Tendon or Ligament Strains

Strains and sprains can happen when someone performs tasks or engage in the movement to which their bodies are unaccustomed. For example, lifting while twisting or overstretching muscles during athletic activities are can be causes of strains and sprains of the back. Being involved in an accident is another common way strains and sprains can occur. These can result in a significant amount of pain and often are accompanied by swelling and bruising in the area around the injury. Because strains and sprains of the back usually involve changes to the alignment of the spine, they respond very well to chiropractic treatment.

Back Pain and Stress

Chronic stress is a problem faced by many people in today’s hectic world and can wreak havoc on the body, eventually leading to hypertension and chronic back pain. Stress related back pain results from tension and muscle spasms caused by the release of stress hormones. This tension often accumulates in areas that are referred to as trigger points. Trigger points can be very painful and often require the care of a professional to treat properly. Chiropractors have the knowledge and skills to address stress build up at trigger points and to treat the underlying imbalances in the nervous system that can cause your body to remain stuck in a pattern of pain and stress.

Other Conditions that Cause Back Pain

Problems such as arthritis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and obesity are all known causes of lower back pain. These conditions can be quite severe and should be assessed by a professional so that they can be identified and treated to avoid long-term damage to your health. Lake Oswego chiropractors have undergone years of training to be able to determine these conditions and assist you in getting the treatment you need. Many of these ailments are associated with misalignments of the spine and can be treated with chiropractic adjustments.

Our team at ProHealth Chiropractic is ready to answer any questions you may have about how chiropractic care can help you. Schedule your consultation today!